No matter how rampant the rat is, it's still just a rat. Even if it becomes a spirit, it's still merely a little more formidable.
Zhao Lun grew angry and immediately activated the modified part. Life became even more unbearable for the rats in the estate, and almost all of them were captured.
"The operation is going smoothly, but the rat-catching must not stop."
Zhao Lun said with satisfaction. These rats were intruders, and this time's hunt would not be the last. Soon, new rats would infiltrate again.
The task of clearing the rats was left to his subordinates, while Zhao Lun met with Hoddar. Alongside him was Zhao Lun's acquaintance, a man named Carlos, who had recently been following Hoddar on assignments.
"Hey, boss, want some rat meat?"
Carlos greeted Zhao Lun with a mischievous smile, offering to share the delicacies.
"Thank you, Carlos. Since you like it so much, I'll give you ten more to keep you fed for the next few days until you're done with them."
"Well, we'll stick to regular food. Alright, I'll leave you to your meal."
Carlos looked at the dirty, frozen rat with distaste, feeling queasy at the thought of the ten more he had to deal with. "Boss, no! I can't take it! My head!"
Hoddar smiled slightly, pretending not to hear, and followed Zhao Lun inside to report the situation.
"Recently, the guild has been growing rapidly, and many people have come in, exchanging a lot of goods, including life-saving potions, which have already spread outside..."
"Currently, some people are joining, and the EU has been established. We need to decide on certain spokespeople to support..."
Zhao Lun was not concerned about the spread of the potions because every batch was unique to him. Others could use them for life-saving purposes, but they would expire after a set time.
As for selecting official spokespeople... Politicians need the support of merchants, and merchants require politicians' assistance. This partnership could reduce a lot of troubles and create mutual benefits.
There were good things, but also bad. Some people refused to follow the rules, engaging in numerous petty actions behind the scenes. Hoddar mainly dealt with these issues.
The actions required manpower, and Carlos had finally passed the test to become one of the deputies, aside from Baloo. He was currently undergoing training under Hoddar.
However, according to Hoddar, this guy had a troublesome rascal-like air and would always do troublesome things.
The decision was made, and Zhao Lun didn't interfere with Hoddar returning to spend the holiday with his family. Outside, Carlos was still holding a frozen rat, conflicted. When he saw Zhao Lun and Hoddar coming out, he immediately ran over, looking pitifully at them.
"This is a gift for Sandy and Elena, take it to them."
"Carlos, it's Christmas. Go home and spend time with your family. Here, this is your gift."
"Ah, hehe, thanks, boss."
Carlos's previous pitiable look vanished instantly, replaced by a sly grin.
"Get going!" Hoddar gave him a kick on the backside and pulled him away.
It was Christmas, and he wanted to spend more time with his family, so after finishing his tasks, he headed home right away.
Angela handed him the gifts they had prepared for their family before he left.
For Christmas, they always prepared gifts for their friends. Even though some had already been delivered, sending a few more wasn't a problem.
No matter the wars or bizarre events happening outside, this country remained peaceful. During Christmas, people were content and at ease, and the news was filled with stories of people celebrating the holiday.
Unlike last year, they didn't use the Eye of Heaven No. 1 to watch things that would upset their moods. This time, everyone was focused on enjoying a happy Christmas.
Everyone had also welcomed the new member, Penelope. The girls surrounded her, asking about life in the academy.
Although Zhao Lun had told them and shown them videos from his light brain, hearing the stories from someone else's mouth, from another academy, made everything seem different. The stories were equally captivating.
Zhao Lun listened as well, hearing stories from a girl's perspective—it felt different.
The holiday passed peacefully, and after several days, Zhao Lun bid farewell to his family and left. This time, there was no sense of parting sadness.
At home, Zhao Lun enjoyed a relaxing holiday, and he even brought friends back with him. They were doing well, and everyone had accepted her without issue. Her mood had improved too.
Western girls brought Zhao Lun many benefits. In the East, holding hands was seen as inappropriate, and sensitive words were considered impolite.
But in this place, none of these were issues. Embraces and cheek kisses were normal, and kisses were an entirely common affair.
Zhao Lun, receiving these enviable benefits, introduced the kiss of another girl for the first time. Unlike Maria and the others, it was a kiss between kin, just a gentle touch—a familial bond. The kiss between him and Penelope was a feeling between familial love and romantic affection, one they both enjoyed deeply.
The sensation felt like a current, coursing through them. As they kissed, both of them trembled, as if struck by electricity, unable to pull away.
Of course, this was where it ended. They wouldn't cross any further boundaries.
When they returned to the school, they often stayed together—reading, eating, and walking. Whenever they had free time, they wouldn't separate.
This was the ideal state for Zhao Lun, and for Penelope as well. But many things came their way, and they had to take care of those matters first.
Soon after Zhao Lun returned, his friends pulled him into a discussion about the secret room matter. Penelope, being the head of Ravenclaw, had to fulfill her responsibilities.
There had been issues at the school recently, affecting many people. The students were filled with panic. During the Christmas break, nearly all students went home, returning only on the last day.
The break helped alleviate the fear caused by the school incident. For several days, no Muggle-born students were hurt, which improved the atmosphere greatly.
Muggle-born referred to students with both parents being Muggles, or one Muggle parent. Many students were in this category.
For instance, Hermione, Penelope, and even Colin Creevey, who was holding a camera.
Moreover, thanks to certain people's propaganda, the so-called "killer" had been caught, reassuring everyone.
This "killer" was Hagrid. It was said that decades ago, he had committed similar acts. Hagrid had been captured. Headmaster Dumbledore spoke in his defense, which led to his suspension.
Regardless of the truth, the students believed it. They desperately wanted this to be true, relieved that the terrifying event was over. As for the rumor of the headmaster's suspension, they believed that was nothing but a lie.
One week after Christmas.
"Hagrid's in trouble! Everyone says he's the killer, but I don't believe it! He's definitely being framed!"
"Yes, we know about this. The key point is that outsiders believe it, so action is being taken. Ron, are you sure you're fine?"
"No, no problem!"
"Hmph!" Hermione scornfully glared at Zhao Lun and Ron, snorted, and went off to take action.
Ron didn't trust his friends and felt jealous of them. He disapproved of hearing that Zhao Lun had multiple girlfriends and spoke ill of her sister. Therefore, she looked down upon both of them.
Ron, unwilling to accept this, tried to confront her, but Zhao Lun slapped him on the shoulder: "Alright! Let's get going! If we delay, your sister will be in trouble!"
Ron rubbed his shoulder in pain and dragged Potter along to take action. (To be continued.)